PLEIADES 1885 Elihu Vedder - Paul Jonnard VICTORIAN ENGRAVING

Original 1885 6 inch x 9 inch engraving titled THE PLEIADES.

According to Greek mythology, the Pleiades were the seven daughters of Atlas and the nymph Pleione. Vedder used the Pleiades as his subject for the first illustration in the "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam". The seven female figures represent the horoscope of the astronomer-poet, Omar Khayyam. The two influences of Jupiter and the Pleiades, connected by the pleasure of the vine, are symbolized by the thread that entwines them. The central figure, whose thread is broken, is "the lost Pleiad."

Engraved by Paul Jonnard (1840 - 1902). Wood-engraver, student of Auguste Trichon. Known for his work after Gustave Doré. Worked for British and French magazines, including the 'Magazine of Art'

Painted by Elihu Vedder (1836 - 1923). An American symbolist painter, book illustrator, and poet, born in New York City. He is best known for his fifty-five illustrations for Edward FitzGerald's translation of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.

Print size 8 3/4 inch x 12 inch

From ‘The Magazine of Art’ Vol. VIII. 1885. Published by Cassell & Company Ltd. - London, Paris, New York & Melbourne.

The engraving is in very good condition. Printed text on the reverse.